Journeying Through

Since beginning this blog more than 2 years ago, having written something every day for much of that time, I have not taken so long a break from writing as I have these past weeks. There are reasons for this, which I may write more about soon. I have been abducted into an Underworld Journey for some time which, though I am no stranger to such states, took me rather by surprise and by storm. I thought I had been to the worst neighborhoods of that realm, but I had not. It seems they can get infinitely more chilling and devastating. This has been quite a discovery for me.

You don’t write letters from hell. I have stayed purposely still. Just last week I began to compose some thoughts, but am taking it slowly.

Now, though, to break the silence, in desire to get back into communication, I want to write about one of the most exquisite nights of my life which took place just last night. A couple of weeks ago I saw an ad on TV showing highlights from Cirque du Soleil’s current show Michael Jackson, The Immortal World Tour. In one instant I knew I wanted to take Hannah, my little 5-year-old neighbor who I adore, and her mother Torey, who I also adore, to see this show inGreenville,SC, not too far a drive for us. If I had given myself 5 minutes to consider I might have restrained myself, but I didn’t. I was on-line and had purchased tickets within minutes.

And so we went. On the drive there Hannah said, “I am feeling really GOOD today! Any day that I am going to the circus is a GOOD day, any day that I’m not going to the circus is a bad day.”

I just knew it would be a combo not to be missed, the immense, extravagant talent and artistry that goes into any Cirque du Soleil event, and Michael Jackson’s extreme creativity, heart, vision and flair. Oh… my…. God… I wish everyone in the world could experience this show.

Take one of Michael Jackson’s concerts, such as the Live inBucharest, Dangerous Tour one which I own on DVD which completely floors me every time I see it, and magnify that by 1000 and you start to imagine what we saw last night. The show is all MJ’s voice singing his songs, with an extensive live orchestra and back up singers, troupes of too-talented-to-be-believed dancers doing his choreography, with Michael’s style, deeply profound messages and inimitable brand of heart-stopping coolness, with strobe lights, multi-tiered sets, acrobats, costumes and props I couldn’t possibly describe the effect of, explosive energy, with maybe 10,000 people smiling broadly, moving but riveted to the core.

Hannah has grown up on the mountain. Lions, tigers and bears would probably not daunt her much. But this!? She sat on my lap, hugged my neck tight (what can be compared to a 5-year-old angel holding tight to your neck for long stretches?), kept her eyes as wide as saucers and clapped, clapped, clapped – to the beat and then just with awed joy.

Michael’s revolutionary vision in songs like They Don’t Care About Us and his Planet Earth/Earth Song were profoundly imparted in this show. His heartbreaking lyrics in Childhood – “Has anybody seen my childhood?” – bared his soul. There was a two story high image of little 5 year old Michael singing “I’ll be there, I’ll be there, just call my name, I’ll be there.” Man, this event was calling his name and he WAS there. It felt stunningly poignant. The crescendo built to final, AWESOME, joy-filled presentations of “It Don’t Matter if You’re Black or White” (and I’d like to add ‘gay or straight’ to the meaning and message as I know he would), and finally “Man in the Mirror.” “If you want to make the world a better place, just look in the mirror and make that change.”

What a good human. What a night. I want to send as much of the love and meaning and beauty to you as I can by telling this story.

5 Responses to “Journeying Through”

You conveyed it beautifully. This is the absolute beauty of art – it takes you to realms that you can’t experience otherwise. If everyone on this planet could be moved and inspired by art – be it dance, visual, theater, performance, digital, avant garde, film, whatever – I can’t imagine it would not change the world. So glad you had this night!

Caring is definitely, and always, called for! Thank you for your invitation to visit, I really want to make a trip to New York. I have you, family, friends, and my daughter and new adorable son-in-law upstate, it all warrants some time away. After my current move and a booked June, I want to look ahead for the time to do that. Thanks, Leslie. I will keep you posted and will look forward to seeing you and catching up. I hope you and yours are well.